Trace elements

ABSTRACT

The invention discloses a trace element solution, which comprises at least one metal selected from the group comprising selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and chromium and which comprises a concentration of the metal(s) of at least 60 mg/ml. The solution further comprises at least one compound selected from the group comprising iodine, potassium iodide, sodium iodide, iron, iron chloride, zinc oxide, manganese sulphate, sodium selenite, copper carbonate, sodium carbonate, anhydrous disodium EDTA and sodium hydroxide. The trace element solution is prepared by a method consisting essentially of the steps of preparing a MnCO 3  mixture in a container; adding an EDTA/NaOH mixture to the container and subsequently adding at least one metal compound; and adding Na 2 SeO 3  to the container to obtain the trace element solution. The method also comprises the step of adding CrCl 3 .6H 2 O to the trace element solution.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/834,094, filed Apr. 29, 2004 (which is hereby incorporated by reference).

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to trace elements.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

It has been found that there is a deficiency of certain trace elements in pastures for livestock in particular areas around the world. Various suggestions have been made to provide the required trace elements to such animals. Different chemical compounds and complexes have been investigated for applying the trace elements by way of licks, drenches or injections.

In general the problem with injectable solutions is that there are too low concentrations of the minerals in the solutions. This means that relatively large quantities have to be injected, which in turn causes tissue damage and also abscesses at the site of injection. Furthermore, it is generally the case that different trace elements seldomly are individually sufficient. This means that two or more trace element solutions have to be provided by way of separate injections.

ZA 1982/6778 (Laurie) discloses a trace element solution and a method of providing the trace elements to livestock. These trace element solution include ethylene diamino tetra acetic acid complex of the required mineral in suitable quantities. However, the trace element solution includes no selenium or selenite compound.

In the specification and claims the expression EDTA refers to ethylene diaminotetraacetic acid (C₁₀H₁₆O₈N₂ or (HO₂CH₂C)₂NCH₂CH₂N—(CH₂CO₂H)₂).

U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,116 (Howard) discloses mineral-containing therapeutic compositions containing EDTA complexes of trace elements. Notably, U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,116 utilises tetra-sodium EDTA, a selenium glycine complex, and metal chlorides for the preparation of the EDTA complexes. Unfortunately, the chloride ions cause contamination and each complex solution is to be made individually. Furthermore, overnight time is required for complexing and heating up afterward to speed up the process, requires extra apparatus. If mixtures are required, the individual solutions are to be blended. If various concentrations as well as compositions are to be made, it can only be done in a cumbersome way, requiring extra apparatus. A further problem may arise when mixtures of high concentration are needed. In certain cases it would be impossible to deliver them, because mixing is always accompanied by dilution.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,638,539 (Laurie et al) discloses a method of preparing a trace element solution, which includes the steps of providing at least one EDTA-complex, of providing a sodium selenite solution, and of combining the EDTA-complexes and the sodium selenite solution. However, the method enables production of a trace element solution of only about 55 mg/ml.

It is an object of the invention to suggest methods and means for overcoming these problems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the invention, a trace element solution, which comprises at least one metal selected from the group comprising selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and chromium and which comprises a concentration of the metal(s) of at least 60 mg/ml.

The solution may comprise at least one compound selected from the group comprising iodine, potassium iodide, sodium iodide, iron, iron chloride, zinc oxide, manganese sulphate, sodium selenite, copper carbonate, sodium carbonate, anhydrous disodium EDTA and sodium hydroxide.

At least one of the metal(s) may be provided in the form of an EDTA complex.

The EDTA complex may be obtained by means of at least one compound selected from the group comprising sodium EDTA and potassium EDTA.

The solution may comprise chloro-cresol as preservative.

The solution may be prepared in a continuous batch process.

The solution may be an injectable solution.

The solution may be a drenchable solution.

Also according to the invention, a method of preparing a trace element solution comprising at least one metal selected from the group comprising selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and chromium and comprising a concentration of the metal(s) of at least 60 mg/ml, said method consisting essentially of the steps of:

-   -   (a) preparing a MnCO₃ mixture in a container;     -   (b) adding an EDTA solution to the container and subsequently         adding at least one metal compound; and     -   (c) adding Na₂SeO₃ to the container to obtain the trace element         solution.

The EDTA solution may be selected from the group comprising a potassium EDTA solution and a sodium EDTA solution.

The method may comprise the step of adding CrCl₃.6H₂O to the trace element solution.

The method may comprise the step of adding a EDTA/NaOH mixture prior to addition of the CrCl₃.6H₂O to the trace element solution.

The method may comprise the step of adjusting the pH of the trace element solution to 6.7 to 7.0.

The method may comprise the step of adjusting the pH of the trace element solution by adding at least one compound selected from the group comprising NaOH and EDTA.

The trace element solution may be diluted.

The temperature of the MnCO₃ mixture may be at least 60 degrees Celsius.

Water having a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius may be added to the MnCO₃ mixture.

The addition of the EDTA/NaOH mixture may occur gradually with small quantities.

The method may comprise the step of cooling the trace element solution prior to addition of the Na₂SeO₃.

The MnCO₃ mixture may be prepared by mixing MnSO₄ and Na₂CO₃.

The metal compound may be selected from the group comprising ZnO, CuCO₃, Na₂CO₃, MnSO₄ and FeCl₃.

The metal compound may be selected from the group comprising metal oxides, metal hydroxides and metal carbonates.

Yet further according to the invention, a trace element solution as prepared by the above method.

Yet further according to the invention, a stock lick, which comprises a trace element solution as prepared by the method above.

Yet further according to the invention, a method of providing trace elements to animals, such as livestock, which comprises the steps of preparing a trace element solution as described above and of providing the solution in a suitable quantity to an animal.

Yet further according to the invention, an injectable trace element solution, which comprises at least one compound selected from the group comprising iodine, potassium iodine and sodium iodine and which comprises a concentration of the compound(s) of at least 20 mg/ml.

Yet further according to the invention, a trace element solution, which comprises at least one compound selected from the group comprising chromium and CrCl₃.6H₂O.

Yet further according to the invention, a trace element solution, which

-   -   (a) comprises at least one metal selected from the group         comprising selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and chromium;     -   (b) comprises a concentration of the metal(s) of at least 60         mg/ml;     -   (c) comprises at least one of the metal(s) provided in the form         of an EDTA complex; and     -   (d) which is obtained by at least one compound selected from the         group comprising iodine, potassium iodide, sodium iodide, iron,         iron chloride, zinc oxide, manganese sulphate, sodium selenite,         copper carbonate, sodium carbonate, anhydrous disodium EDTA and         sodium hydroxide.

Yet further according to the invention, a method of preparing a trace element solution comprising at least one metal selected from the group comprising selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and chromium and comprising a concentration of the metal(s) of at least 60 mg/ml, said method consisting essentially of the steps of:

-   -   (a) preparing a MnCO₃ mixture in a container at a temperature of         at least 60 degrees Celsius;     -   (b) adding an EDTA solution to the container and subsequently         adding at least one metal compound selected from the group         comprising ZnO, CuCO₃, Na₂CO₃, MnSO₄ and FeCl₃;     -   (c) adding at least compound selected from the group comprising         Na₂SeO₃ and CrCl₃.6H₂O to the container to obtain the trace         element solution; and     -   (d) adjusting the pH of the trace element solution.

Yet further according to the invention, a trace element solution, which comprises

-   -   (a) 35-50 mg/ml of zinc;     -   (b) 10-15 mg/ml manganese;     -   (c) 5-10 mg/ml selenium; and     -   (d) 10-20 mg/ml copper.

The solution may comprise 5-10 mg/ml chromium.

The solution may comprise 5-50 mg/ml iron.

The solution may comprise 20-400 mg/ml iodine.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

The invention will now be described by way of example of injectable solutions in accordance with the invention.

Example 1

Example 1 relates to a method to prepare a trace element solution predominantly to be used for cattle and includes the mineral elements Selenium, Copper and Chromium.

The method enables preparation of 25 liters of the solution containing 40 mg Zn, 10 mg Mn, 5 mg Se, 15 mg Cu and 5 mg Cr per ml.

A. Preparing MnCO₃

In a suitable container/drum, the MnCO₃ mud is prepared by adding solutions of 900 g MnSO₄ and 1150 g Na₂CO₃ together. The resultant mixture is decanted and washed three times.

B. Continuous Batch Process

To the MnCO₃ mud, hot water (70° C.) is added to a volume of at least 15 liters. Critical is the temperature at the start of the batch process which should be at least 60° C.

-   B.1 Preparing MnEDTA

2000 g EDTA and 500 g NaOH are weighed; the EDTA and NaOH are mixed; the EDTA/NaOH mixture is added to the drum, in small quantities to prevent excessive frothing, until the reaction is complete (leaving a clear pinkish solution).

-   B.2 Preparing ZnEDTA (2 steps)     Step 1:

2600 g EDTA, 690 g NaOH and 700 g ZnO are weighed, the EDTA and NaOH are mixed and ZnO is kept separate. The EDTA/NaOH mixture is added to the drum in small quantities to prevent boiling over, followed by addition of the ZnO. The reaction is allowed to complete (again leaving a clear pink solution). The temperature at this stage could reach 103° C.

Step 2:

2600 g EDTA, 690 g NaOH and 700 g ZnO are weighed. The EDTA and NaOH are mixed and the ZnO kept separate. The EDTA/NaOH mixture is added to the drum in small quantities to prevent boiling over, where after the ZnO is added. The reaction is allowed to complete (again leaving a clear pink solution). The temperature at this stage could reach 103° C.

-   B.3 Preparing CuEDTA

1760 g EDTA, 462 g NaOH and 693 g basic CuCO₃ are weighed. The EDTA and NaOH are mixed and the CuCO₃ kept separate. The EDTA/NaOH mixture is added to the drum, followed by careful addition of the CuCO₃, to prevent excessive frothing, and the reaction is allowed to complete (leaving a clear blue solution).

-   B.4 25 g chlorocresol is added and stirred till dissolved. -   B.5 23 liters is made up -   B.6 The mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature.     C. Final Phase -   C.1 303 g Na₂SeO₃ is added. -   C.2 The pH is adjusted to 6.7 by adding NaOH (40% solution) or EDTA. -   C.3 738 g EDTA, 192 g NaOH and 641 g CrCl₃.6H₂O are weighed. The     EDTA and NaOH are mixed and added to the drum. The CrCl₃.6H₂O is     added, whereby the reaction is slow. -   C.4 The volume is made up to 25 liters.

Example 2

Example 2 relates to a method to prepare a trace element solution predominantly to be used for sheep and includes the mineral elements Selenium and Copper.

The method enables preparation of 100 liters of the solution containing 40 mg Zn, 10 mg Mn, 3 mg Se and 10 mg Cu per ml.

A. Preparing MnCO₃

In a suitable container/drum, the MnCO₃ mud is prepared by adding solutions of 3600 g MnSO₄ and 4600 g Na₂CO₃ together. The mixture is decanted and wash three times.

B. Continuous Batch Process

To the MnCO₃ mud, is added hot water (70° C.) to a volume of at least 60 liters. The temperature at the start of the batch process is critical and should be at least 60° C.

-   B.1 Preparing MnEDTA

8000 g EDTA and 2000 g NaOH are weighed. The EDTA and NaOH are mixed. The EDTA/NaOH mixture is added to the drum, in small quantities to prevent excessive frothing, until the reaction is complete (leaving a clear pinkish solution).

-   B.2 Preparing ZnEDTA (2 steps)     Step 1:

10400 g EDTA, 2760 g NaOH and 2800 g ZnO are weighed. The EDTA and NaOH are mixed and the ZnO kept separate. The EDTA/NaOH mixture is added to the drum in small quantities to prevent boiling over, followed by addition of the ZnO. The reaction is allowed to complete (again leaving a clear pink solution). The temperature at this stage could reach 103° C.

Step 2:

10400 g EDTA, 2760 g NaOH and 2800 g ZnO are weighed. The EDTA and NaOH are mixed and the ZnO kept separate. The EDTA/NaOH mixture is added to the drum in small quantities to prevent boiling over, followed by addition of the ZnO. The reaction is allowed to complete (again leaving a clear pink solution). The temperature at this stage could reach 103° C.

-   B.3 Preparing CuEDTA

4646 g EDTA, 1220 g NaOH and 1835 g basic CuCO₃ are weighed. The EDTA and NaOH are mixed and the CuCO₃ kept separate. The EDTA/NaOH mixture is added to the drum, followed by careful addition of the CuCO₃, to prevent excessive frothing, and the reaction is allowed to complete (leaving a clear blue solution).

-   B.4 100 g chlorocresol is added and the mixture stirred until     dissolved. -   B.5 The volume is made up to 96 liters -   B.6 The mixture is cooled to room temperature.     C. Final Phase -   C.1 728 g Na₂SeO₃ is added. -   C.2 The pH is adjusted to 6.7 by adding NaOH (40% solution) or EDTA. -   C.3 The volume is made up to 100 liters.

Example 3

Example 3 relates to a method to prepare a trace element solution predominantly to be used for cattle and includes the mineral elements Selenium and Copper.

The method enables preparation of 100 liters of the solution containing 40 mg Zn, 10 mg Mn, 5 mg Se and 15 mg Cu per ml.

A. Preparing MnCO₃

In a suitable container/drum, the MnCO₃ mud is prepared by adding solutions of 3600 g MnSO₄ and 4600 g Na₂CO₃ together. The mixture is decanted and wash three times.

B. Continuous Batch Process

To the MnCO₃ mud, hot water (70° C.) is added to a volume of at least 60 liters. The temperature at the start of the batch process is critical and should be at least 60° C.

-   B.1 Preparing MnEDTA

7840 g EDTA and 1960 g NaOH are weighed. The EDTA and NaOH are weighed. The EDTA/NaOH mixture is added to the drum, in small quantities to prevent excessive frothing, until the reaction is complete (leaving a clear pinkish solution).

-   B.2 Preparing ZnEDTA (2 steps)     Step 1:

10400 g EDTA, 2760 g NaOH and 2800 g ZnO are weighed. The EDTA and NaOH are mixed and the ZnO kept separate. The EDTA/NaOH mixture is added to the drum, in small quantities to prevent boiling over, followed by addition of the ZnO. The reaction is allowed to complete (again leaving a clear pink solution). The temperature at this stage could reach 103° C.

Step 2:

10400 g EDTA, 2760 g NaOH and 2800 g ZnO are weighed. The EDTA and NaOH are mixed and the ZnO kept separate. The EDTA/NaOH mixture is added to the drum, in small quantities to prevent boiling over, followed by addition of the ZnO.

The reaction is allowed to complete (again leaving a clear pink solution). The temperature at this stage could reach 103° C.

-   B.3 Preparing CuEDTA

7040 g EDTA, 1848 g NaOH and 2780 g basic CuCO₃ are weighed. The EDTA and NaOH are mixed and the CuCO₃ kept separate. The EDTA/NaOH mixture is added to the drum, followed by careful addition of the CuCO₃, to prevent excessive frothing, and the reaction is allowed to complete (leaving a clear blue solution).

-   B.4 100 g chlorocresol is added and the mixture stirred till     dissolved. -   B.5 The mixture is made up to 96 liters -   B.6 The mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature.     C. Final Phase -   C.1 1212 g Na₂SeO₃ is added. -   C.2 The pH is adjusted to 7.0 by adding NaOH (40% solution) or EDTA. -   C.3 The volume is made up to 100 liters.     General

The invention therefore provides a trace element solution which is tissue friendly, i.e. is not damaging or irritant to the tissue of animals and which comprises selenium, copper, zinc, manganese, iron and chromium and at a concentration of the metals of at least 60 mg/ml. The trace elements in solution are in a scientifically formulated ratio according to the post-absorption requirements of the animals calculated according to provided As an example the trace element solution comprises

-   -   (a) 35-50 mg/ml of zinc;     -   (b) 10-15 mg/ml manganese;     -   (c) 5-10 mg/ml selenium;     -   (d) 10-20 mg/ml copper;     -   (e) 5-10 mg/ml chromium;     -   (f) 5-50 mg/ml iron; and     -   (g) comprises 20-400 mg/ml iodine.

The iodine is provided in the form of potassium iodide or sodium iodide and the iron is provided in the form of iron chloride.

The method of preparing a trace element solution in accordance with the invention thus enables the production of a solution comprising an adequate trace mineral concentration so that a 5 to 10 milliliter injection can make a significant impact on the trace mineral status of the animal, i.e. a practically applicable injectable supplement and a product that can improve the trace mineral status of an animal is provided. This is important as livestock producers will only inject livestock if a real benefit can be demonstrated. Furthermore, the subcutaneous injection is the preferred route to minimize tissue damage. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An injectable trace element solution, said solution comprising: (a) 5 to 10 mg/ml selenium; (b) 35-50 mg/ml zinc; (c) manganese; and (d) iron, wherein a total concentration of selenium, zinc, manganese and iron in the solution is at least 60 mg/ml.
 2. The solution of claim 1, further comprising at least one of iodine, potassium iodide, sodium iodide, iron chloride, zinc oxide, manganese sulphate, sodium selenite, copper carbonate, sodium carbonate, anhydrous disodium EDTA or sodium hydroxide.
 3. A solution as claimed in claim 2, in which at least one of the metal(s) is provided in the form of an EDTA complex.
 4. A solution as claimed in claim 3, in which the EDTA complex is produced from at least one compound selected from the group consisting of sodium EDTA and potassium EDTA.
 5. A solution as claimed in claim 1, which comprises chlorocresol as preservative.
 6. The injectable trace element solution of claim 1, wherein the selenium is present in an amount of 5 mg/ml.
 7. The injectable trace element solution of claim 1, further comprising 5-10 mg/ml chromium.
 8. A trace element solution, which comprises: (a) 35-50 mg/ml zinc; (b) 10-15 mg/ml manganese; (c) 5-10 mg/ml selenium; and (d) iron, wherein a total concentration of zinc, manganese, selenium and iron in the solution is at least 60 mg/ml.
 9. A solution as claimed in claim 8, further comprising 5-10 mg/ml chromium.
 10. A solution as claimed in claim 8, wherein the iron in solution is 5-50 mg/ml.
 11. A solution as claimed in claim 8, further comprising 20-400 mg/ml iodine.
 12. The trace element solution of claim 10, further comprising 20-400 mg/ml iodine. 